Lee Brilleaux: Rock ‘n’ Roll Gentleman

Dr. Feelgood are a British pub rock band, formed in 1971. The classic line-up included Lee Brilleaux (b. 1953, d. 7 April 1994; vocals/harmonica), Wilko Johnson (b. John Wilkinson, 1947; guitar), John B. Sparks (b. 1953; bass) and John ‘The Big Figure’ Martin (drums). Initially based in Canvey Island, Essex, on the Thames estuary, Dr. Feelgood broke into the London circuit in 1974. Brilleaux’s menacing personality complemented Johnson’s propulsive, jerky stage manner, while the guitarist’s staccato style dominated the group’s idiosyncratic brand of angular rhythm and blues. Their debut album, Down By The Jetty, was released in 1974, but despite critical approbation, it was not until ...